What We Are Testing
We look for sediments, nutrients, and other pollutants from land-based sources that might be having a negative impact on water quality. We collect data for ocean salinity, pH, temperature, organic nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous compounds), dissolved oxygen (DO), and total suspended sediment (TSS). Some water samples are immediately tested at mobile labs, while others are processed for testing at University of Hawaiʻi [and/or other] labs. As funding becomes available, we will be able to run additional tests.
Available Data
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Monitoring Sites
Hilo, South Kohala and Kona
In Hilo, there are 6 current monitoring sites: Richardsons, Carlsmith, Onekahakaha, Coconut Island, Hilo Bayfront and Honoli’i. In South Kohala there are 6: Hapuna N, Hapuna S, Waialea Bay N, Waialea Bay S, Secrets (Puakō) and Puakō #3 (Paniau). In Kona, there are 4: Honl’s Beach, Pine Trees, Keauhou Bay and Kamakahonu.
Advice from the Hawai'i DOH
IF THE WATER IS BROWN STAY OUT!
Storm water runoff starts far up in the watershed. This water can pick up all kinds of contaminants as it travels towards the ocean. Please heed the advice from the DOH and don't head to the beach to swim, snorkel, or surf when storm water has been running into the ocean. Even if the DOH hasn't issued a brown water advisory, IF THE WATER IS BROWN STAY OUT!
Why we care
Our health is tied to the health of the ocean. When we surf, dive, and fish in clean water, eat healthy seafood, and enjoy an unpolluted beach we are benefiting from good water quality. In other words, the quality of our water equals the quality of life!
When water quality is poor, our environment and communities follow suit. Sediments, nutrients, and other pollutants from land-based sources can create chronic water quality issues that we can identify via monitoring. Testing nearshore water samples gathered along Maui's coastline allows us to identify and focus efforts in the places that need them most. By comparing changes in reef health to changes in water quality, we are able to better understand the major factors that are contributing to reef declines.